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Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center broadens understanding of regional transformations while demonstrating the significance of Latin America and the Caribbean in a rapidly changing world.

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Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Issue Brief Apr 30, 2026

How Colombia can reduce security threats ahead of its presidential election

By the US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

Though Colombia’s recent legislative elections were largely peaceful, the security environment has worsened in recent weeks amid death threats against candidates and escalating violence by armed groups. The upcoming weeks present a narrow, but critical, window to reduce risks ahead of the May 31 presidential election.
Americas Civil Society
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Issue Brief Apr 20, 2026

Using the USMCA review to strengthen regional integration

By the Binational Task Force on Economic Security and Competitiveness

As economic and trade authorities across Mexico and the United States engage in the July 2026 USMCA review, adapting to new geopolitical realities without reversing binational economic integration should be a priority.
Americas Economy & Business
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Dispatches Apr 12, 2026

Washington needs a ‘Plan Venezuela’ before it’s too late

By James Story and David Bellon

Using Plan Colombia as a model, the United States should commit to a long-term, well-funded effort to bring security to Venezuela.
Colombia Economy & Business

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Geographic priorities

Argentina

Argentina plays a key role in the economic landscape of the Americas, with strong potential for deeper integration with the United States. AALAC promotes policies that support Argentina’s fiscal resilience and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.

Brazil

As Latin America’s largest economy, Brazil is central to regional economic stability and geopolitics. AALAC advances a forward-looking US-Brazil agenda by fostering strategic dialogue and promoting sustainable, innovation-driven cooperation across trade, energy, and agriculture.

Caribbean

The Caribbean is among the world’s most vulnerable regions, exposed to climate-induced disasters, economic shocks, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The Caribbean Initiative raises awareness about regional priorities and deepens US and global engagement across issues such as energy security, financial inclusion, and economic competitiveness.

Central America

A secure and prosperous Central America is vital to US national and economic interests. AALAC advances strategic engagement that strengthens supply chains, attracts investment, and supports democratic governance as pillars for long-term regional prosperity.

Colombia

Colombia and the United States share a longstanding partnership rooted in security, development, and commercial ties. AALAC advances understanding of issues critical to US interests and works to ensure that Colombia can serve as a vital US ally in South America for decades to come.

Mexico

As the United States’ top trading partner, Mexico plays a notable role in advancing investment and cross-border commerce. AALAC supports engagement to strengthen commercial ties, address shared security challenges, and align opportunities to incentivize productive investment.

Venezuela

Following the US removal of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela stands at a pivotal moment after years of economic mismanagement, cronyism, and democratic erosion. AALAC is seizing this moment to usher in a Venezuela where people overcome economic paralysis, live without fear of the state, and freely choose their leaders.

THEMATIC AREAS IN FOCUS

China-Latin America

China is a growing trade partner and source of financing for Latin America and the Caribbean. AALAC, alongside the Global China Hub, provides nuanced, up-to-date understanding of the trajectory and risks of an evolving relationship with China.

Economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin America is a key market for US goods and investment. The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center works to deepen commercial ties, increase investment, and support economic security by highlighting the importance of the region’s economies in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Technology and digital security in Latin America and the Caribbean

As digital security threats grow—and as Latin America and the Caribbean’s tech and telecommunications sectors drive more innovation and investment—the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, alongside the Atlantic Council Technology Programs, strengthens regional resilience and spotlights the region’s potential to build a more secure digital future.

Security and transnational criminal organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean

Transnational criminal organizations, which rake in billions in revenue annually, pose severe threats to economic and democratic stability. The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center analyzes the growth of these security threats through cutting-edge analysis and comprehensive policy frameworks designed to undercut the sophisticated business operations of these groups.

Experts of the Americas Series

Our Experts of the Americas video series brings together thought leaders from countries and industries across the region for in-depth conversations on the most pressing issues. Stay tuned for the next episode!

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Content

New Atlanticist

Sep 25, 2024

Solutions to the world’s biggest challenges, according to more than 30 leaders, innovators, and democracy defenders

By Daniel Hojnacki, Katherine Golden

At the Atlantic Council's Global Future Forum, influential and innovative leaders discussed the type of work that needs to be done to address today’s most pressing challenges

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

Report

Sep 17, 2024

From rhetoric to reality: Nearshoring in the Americas

By the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center’s Nearshoring Working Group

Over the past five years, global shifts have reshaped the world. China's rise, US-China tensions, COVID-19, and Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine exposed supply chain vulnerabilities, pushing resilience to the top of the agenda. Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) can seize the opportunity to provide solutions for US companies through nearshoring.

Caribbean Central America
A group of approximately 25 people standing on a stage.

Issue Brief

Sep 12, 2024

The challenges and opportunities of a triangular transatlantic relationship

By the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB), the Elcano Royal Institute, and the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center of the Atlantic Council

To elevate the importance of transatlantic relations, the VII Trilateral Forum Europe – Latin America and the Caribbean – North America was organized as a space for dialogue and reflection aimed at analyzing the state of relations between Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America, with participation of authorities and academics from the three regions.

Americas Caribbean

Issue Brief

Sep 9, 2024

Brazil 2050: A vision for global food security

By Valentina Sader, Peter Engelke

How can the world meet the growing demand for food while also adapting to climate change?

Brazil Latin America

New Atlanticist

Sep 8, 2024

Argentina’s foreign minister: Why my country wants to join the OECD

By Diana Mondino

In seeking to join the OECD, Argentina is on a path to economic reforms and reputational benefits that can restore investor confidence in the country, writes Argentina’s minister of foreign affairs.

Americas Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Aug 20, 2024

Amid rising insecurity in Venezuela, the US and its partners must prepare for a new wave of migration

By Lucie Kneip

With the Maduro regime cracking down after a fraudulent presidential election, many Venezuelans who held out hope for political change are preparing to leave their country.

Americas Elections

New Atlanticist

Aug 15, 2024

Will Maduro negotiate a transfer of power? And four other questions about Venezuela’s political crisis.

By Atlantic Council experts

Venezuela remains riven by its July 28 election, with Nicolás Maduro falsely claiming victory and the opposition presenting vote tally sheets that show Edmundo González received more than twice as many votes as Maduro.

Democratic Transitions Elections

Report

Aug 8, 2024

The future of digital transformation and workforce development in Latin America and the Caribbean

By Isabel Chiriboga, Maite Gonzalez Latorre, Diego Area

During an off-the-record private roundtable, thought leaders and practitioners from across the Americas evaluated progress made in the implementation of the Regional Agenda for Digital Transformation.

Caribbean Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

Jul 31, 2024

The case for chief gender officers in Caribbean states

By Valentina Sader

Caribbean countries should consider appointing chief gender officers to help address issues such as gender-based violence.

Caribbean Freedom and Prosperity
Facade of the Palace of Justice in the main square of Bogota, Colombia with the caption "Colombians, weapons gave you independence, laws will give you freedom."

Report

Jul 31, 2024

Justice Fair Play Initiative: The key to improving justice delivery in Colombia

By Juan Carlos Botero, Tania Luna Blanco, Astrid Liliana Sánchez-Mejía, Carlos Andrés Uribe Piedrahíta, Nicolás Cabra Ruiz, Natalia Correa Sánchez, Geoff Ramsey, Isabel Chiriboga, and Enrique Millán-Mejía

An accessible judicial system is crucial in countering global threats to democracy by enabling swift and fair dispute resolutions. This study demonstrates that such system can reduce uncertainty and create an environment conducive to investment and sustainable economic development.

Colombia Latin America
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